Church leaders back bishop in vicar row

A group of Island churches have expressed their support for the bishop over a row with a vicar.

Canon Jules Gomes, now the pastor of St Augustine's Church in Douglas, had faced disciplinary action in a hearing over complaints made by the bishop.

A tribunal chaired by Canon Geoffrey Tattersall QC found he'd displayed misconduct and made untrue statements about Bishop Robert Paterson.

Dr Gomes claimed he'd been the subject of racist bullying and harassment - but those claims were dismissed by the hearing.

Yesterday, the group Churches Alive in Mann released a statement saying they stood in support of the bishop following the tribunal.

The group says it's satisfied with both the process and the result  - and praised the bishop for his personal leadership and strengthening ties between Island churches.

Churches Alive in Mann includes the Salvation Army, Elim Pentecostal, Catholic , Methodist, Baptist, United Reform and Living Hope Community churches.